Imagine a time when people sought healing in natural springs. That time is part of the story of Palma Ceia Spring. Today we are standing at Fred Ball Park. It is the home of the historical Palma Ceia Spring.
Palma Ceia Spring has a history stretching back centuries. People believed in its healing powers. They came to bathe in its waters in the mid-1800s.
In 1906, a fountain was erected. It was fed by the spring itself. This fountain still stands as one of the few reminders of the spring’s existence.
The early 1900s saw Palma Ceia Spring grow in popularity. In 1928, a large pool was built to accommodate visitors. A streetcar line even connected the spring to Port Tampa.
In the 1940s, County Commissioner Fred Ball recognized the spring’s value. He persuaded the county to purchase the spring and surrounding land. The area became a public park. The pool was enlarged for more people to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the glory days of Palma Ceia Spring did not last. After World War II, pollution caused the pool to fall into disuse. In 1959, the city filled the pool.
The park was renovated in 1988. The Rose Circle Garden Club led the effort. Today, Fred Ball Park is a beautiful space. It boasts a gazebo and tall trees. The fountain is a focal point.
Tom Ries, president of Ecosphere Restoration Institute, wants to restore Palma Ceia Spring. Ries has a vision to remove the concrete. He wants to make the spring bigger. He plans to add native plants to filter the water before it flows into the bay.
A wall around Palma Ceia Spring is inscribed with the date 1906. The spring fed two man-made pools here. The first was built in 1928. It was enlarged in the early 1940s. Then in the 1950s, the spring flow lessened. The park became rundown and the pool was covered over. In 1988, the park was renovated and a fountain added to the center of the spring.
The future of Palma Ceia Spring looks promising. With dedicated efforts, this hidden treasure could once again thrive. The waters of Palma Ceia Spring flow toward Tampa Bay. This natural resource will continue to be cherished by the community.